Ram Navami is a Hindu Spring Festival dedicated to Lord Rama and celebrated on the ninth and last day of Chaitra Navratri in March/April. This celebration marked the arrival of spring and solemnly celebrated the birthday.
Ram Navami is a famous Indian festival. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Vishnu, Maryada Purshottam Ram. This day is also known as Sri Rama Navami and marks the end of the 9-day celebration of Chaitra-Navratri.
Lord Ram is considered to be the most respected figure of pure consciousness and happiness. In Hindu mythology, the down-to-earth, sober, gentle, and selfless God in him. Ram Nvami is dedicated to Lord Ram, it seems to be his birthday. He incarnates on the ground to represent justice, eliminate evil, and protect his devotees.
What is the History of Ram Navami?
Ram Nvami is one of the oldest festivals in India. It is said that the history of Ram Navami can be traced back to pre-Christian times because Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world. Ram Navami’s references can also be found in Kalika Puran.
It is said that the caste system was very common in India. Ram Nvami is one of the few festivals where a few castes are granted to celebrate. In Hinduism, it is considered to be one of the five major sacred festivals, and it is said that the correct observance of this fast can achieve the purpose of salvation.
Devout Hindus believe that on the same day in 5114 BC, the prayer of King Ayodhya (an ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, India) Dasharatha was answered. The king had three wives, named Kausalya, Sumatera, and Kekiyi. But none of the three wives gave him a boy.
The king needed this boy to take care of his empire and inherit the throne. Even if he has been married for many years, the king cannot be a father. Then, the great sage Vasistha suggested that he perform Puthra Kamesti Yagna, a sacred ritual to obtain offspring.
With the consent of King Dasharatha, the great sage Maharishi Rushya Shrunga performed the ceremony in as detailed a manner as possible. The king was given a bowl of tapioca flour (a type of milk and rice) and asked to distribute food between his wives.
The king gave one-seventh of the papaya to his ex-wife Kausalya, and the other half to his young wife Keiki.
Both wives dedicated half of the food to Sumithra. This unequal distribution of the Holy Communion resulted in Kausalya and Kaikeyi giving birth to separate children, while Sumithra gave birth to twins.
This day was one of the ultimate celebrations of Ayodhya, where not only the royal family, but also every resident of the place was relieved, and thanked God for this miracle, but did not know that God himself took the form of Rama and appeared among them, as the newborn son of Kausalya.
What are the Ram Nvami Rituals?
On this very important day, devotees must fast all day, starting in the morning and continuing until the next morning. They worshipped Lord Rama, listened to or narrated the epic Ramayana or Nama Ramayana, performed the wedding of Lord Rama and the Goddess Sita, and conducted a procession of Rama Navami.
Devotees in certain parts of the country also organized bhajan and kirtan throughout the nine days of Navratra. On this day, some devotees practice strict fasting and avoid eating food and water, while some devotees practice lighter fasting to consume water and fruits.
Puja Vidhi
1. Take a shower and sit in Puja with all Pujan Samagri (Puja needs items)
2. Tulsi or lotus plays an important role in his worship
3. The worship of Lord Ram begins with sixteen steps called Shodashopachar Puja.
4. Prepare Kheer and keep the fruit as Prashad
5. After Puja, Tilak is applied by the youngest woman in the room.
Quick Read: Naming Ceremony: Namkaran Baby Ritual
How does the Celebrations of Ram Nvami carried out?
Ram Navami is an important Hindu festival and is widely celebrated with great dedication. It is very popular among Vaishnavites. Ram Navami Celebrations include:
1. Ramayan’s narrative takes place in Rama Navami
2. People recite Ramaraksha Stotram
3. Kirtans is well organized
4. Shree Ram’s idols are ready with exquisite decorations and embellishments
5. Lord Ram’s idol swings in the cradle
Conclusion
In his adulthood, Rama’s execution of Ravana, the terrifying demon king of Lanka, his army, and many other amazing deeds, proving his sacred status before the people.
After Rama became king, it is said that the people of Ayodhya began to celebrate his birthday out of extreme faith in their devout rulers. It was very difficult to point out the exact time to start Ram Navami celebrations.
Rama is highly valued by Hindus and several cultures in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Ram Navami is one of the important festivals celebrated in India related to Ramayana.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Why is Ram Navami celebrated in India?
Rama Navami is considered as an important festival for people following the Hindu religion. The day is celebrated on a ninth day in the month of Chaitra, which is the first month in the Hindu lunar calendar. The day is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama and is also the culmination of Navratri.
What is the meaning of Ram Navami?
Ram Navami or Rama Navami is celebrated to mark the descent of Lord Vishnu in the avatar of Lord Ram, who was born in the kingdom of Ayodhya to Queen Kausalya and King Dasharatha, in the ‘Treta Yuga’ (or Treta Yug). Ayodhya was the capital of the Kingdom of Kosala in Avada (known as Awadh in Uttar Pradesh).
What is the importance of Ram Navami?
Rama Navami is a spring Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of the Hindu God Lord Rama. He is particularly important to the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism, as the seventh avatar of God Vishnu.
What time does Ram Navami end?
Rama Navami Madhyahna Moment will be 12:42 PM. The much-awaited spring festival of Chaitra Navratri 2020 comes to an end with Ram Navami marking the ninth day, Ram Navami is celebrated to commemorate Lord Ram’s birthday, who is also known to be the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Why did Rama kill Bali?
Vaali was invincible during Treta Yuga. Vaali defeated some of the greatest warriors like Ravana. Vaali was blessed with the ability to obtain half the strength of his opponent. Hence, Rama killed Vaali by hiding behind the trees.